Our Hometown
|
|
Kelley school students and staff paid tribute November 8 to all veterans, retired or active duty. It began with continental breakfast of bagels, muffins, fruit, Danish, juice, coffee or tea being served to the honored guests at patriotically- decorated tables with placemats made by children. Happy to have more than 60 guests, Principal Chris Mizro said with participation growing every year, the continental breakfast would be moved to the school cafeteria next year. She also noted that with more room, students who are related to the invited guests will be able to join them at the continental breakfast. Guests who signed the book at last year's events received personal invitation to this years recognition. The event was also widely publicized with reminders being sent home with students and posters being placed in area businesses. Todd Howard, father of third grader Mikayla Howard, thanked the school staff and students for their work in planning and holding the event. He is commander of the Newark VFW Post 2883 and an Army reservist who served in Iraq. After the continental breakfast, an upbeat assembly followed at which: Freshman Katie Clemons, daughter of Kelley School secretary Susan Bieda, sang The Star Spangled Banner a cappella. A proclamation from Gov. Eliot Spitzer was acknowledged. Assemblyman Robert Oaks of Macedon, thanked veterans and others for serving our country. Flags for each branch of service were presented by youngsters. Two heartfelt essays about veterans and defenders of freedom were read by third graders Mikayla Howard and Tommy Jensen. Those essays, pictures and more were included in packets given to each guest. An emotion-charged song American Tears, was sung by Clemons and Kelley School students, that was movingly directed by music teacher Christine Santino, touched many hearts and had many people crying. A Veterans Salute slide presentation, featuring music by Eric Clapton was shown. The assembly concluded with the stirring song - We Are Proud of Our Veterans - being sung by all the children. Attending the assembly was Wayne County's oldest veteran, 99-year-old Bernie VanDenBussche, who served in the Navy. Copyright
©
2007 |
   Ads have a Patent Pending. Click Here for More Information  |
